10/06/2012

Ottawa refuge part of national celebration

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, located east of Toledo off State Route 2, is celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week with special events on Sunday, Oct. 14. A permanent gallery exhibit has been established at the refuge to recognize the work of Bob Hines in bird conservation and education. The Hines Gallery, located on the third floor of the Visitor Center, will hold its opening on Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m.

Following the opening of the gallery, the "Naturally Speaking" series will feature a talk at 2 p.m. by Dr. John D. Juriga, who has written a book chronicling the work done by Hines.

The refuge is also hosting a “Big Sit” -- an annual, international bird watching challenge to document as many birds that are seen or heard while the participants sit in a 17 foot circle. Jason Lewis, manager of the refuge, will host the event on Oct. 14th from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Participants should gather on the west side of the woods accessible from the trail head parking lot.

For additional information on the National Wildlife Refuge Week, call the refuge at: 419-898-0014.